APPLETON, Wis. (WBAY) - The first day of school usually means new teachers, new classmates, and maybe a new backpack.
But for one fifth grader at Jefferson Elementary School, the day brought something she never expected: a ticket to the Super Bowl.
Normally, when it comes to the first day of school, you’re thinking about where your classes are or what your parents packed for lunch.
But for one student here at Jefferson Elementary School, nothing could have prepared her for the surprise of a lifetime.
“It’s been a crazy first day of school, but not in a bad way,” Patricia Plutz, Frankie’s mom, said.
Fifth grader Frankie Plutz was called up on stage as a volunteer during a school presentation.
And what happened next was the whole school cheering.
Frankie has been invited to go to the Super Bowl this year in San Francisco. Frankie learning she’d be one of just five students nationwide to win an all-expenses-paid trip to Super Bowl 60 in Santa Clara.
Her mom, Patricia, who also works at Jefferson, watched the surprise unfold.
“I guess I didn’t know what was going on and was proud seeing her up there, and she unwrapped them, and I was like ‘oh my goodness,’” Patricia said.
Frankie became eligible by participating in the American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge and Finn’s mission, where students learn hands-only CPR and how to spot the signs of stroke.
Frankie’s physical education teacher, Kaiser Behnke, brought the program to Jefferson 12 years ago.
“Last year, we had 22 kids finish ‘Finn’s Mission.’ That’s the highest since I’ve been here, so that’s really cool that these kids are taking it above and beyond the classroom and bringing it home. And so for Frankie to do that and then end up winning is really cool for her,” Behnke said.
For Frankie and her mom, it’s about more than just football.
“A lot. Yeah, it does mean a lot because it’s good to get that information out there. I think it’s so important to be aware, and even for children at all grade levels, to be aware of that. Adults, too,” Patricia and Frankie said.
Frankie says she’s taking her mom to the big game and plans to cheer loudly no matter who’s on the field.
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PREVIOUS: An Appleton student received a “super” surprise on the first day of school, Tuesday.
Jefferson Elementary student Frankie Plutz was surprised at a school assembly with tickets to Super Bowl LV in February.
The tickets were provided by the NFL as an incentive for students to take part in the [American Heart Association’s Kids Heart Challenge](https://www2.heart.org/site/SPageNavigator/what_is_finns_misson.html) during the last school year and learn hands-only CPR.
The tickets were presented by physical education teacher Kaiser Behnke, who is an American Heart Association volunteer, and AHA development director in school engagement Korren Jewitt.
Frankie is one of only five children around the country who are receiving the prize.
As part of the Kids Heart Challenge, schoolkids are encouraged to drink water, exercise, make healthy food choices, and get plenty of sleep.
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